Matthew 21:31,32
‘”Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even have second thoughts afterward so as to believe him”‘.
This is damning. Jesus is saying that John was believable. Just like one of the Old Testament prophets. They should have believed in him. The next charge against them is that society’s worst were converted. That was remarkable. Jesus further condemns them for not even having second thoughts.
God does work in the world that should get our attention. Things happen that should cause us to pause and look upward. Even as believers we are to do that. Proverbs 3:6 says, “in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” His children should be especially attuned to Him. He’s given us His nature, so we are on His wavelength. We know His voice, (John 10:27).
We are to ask Him as things arise or when things happen. The pharisees should have asked about the one Whom John was speaking of. They were waiting for their messiah. Here is one coming and claiming to be Him. They should have sought the Lord and asked if He was Him.
The pharisees were the experts of the day. They knew the scriptures. There were plenty of prohecys about the messiah. Some of the priests were believing. Nicodemus was one. Maybe Joseph of Aremathea. That should have caused them to have second thoughts.
How does God speak to us? The bible is the main way. However, He uses circumstances. He also uses our consciences. Thoughts come to mind. Don’t simply ignore them, but inquire of Him. Follow the thread. Maybe it’s of Him.
God loves when we seek Him and give head to Him. That is the pathway to obedience. That is what is needed when we call Him Lord. We have to be willing to follow Him. He teaches us and tutors us in that way.
My first few years in Christ I was trying to hear His voice and weed them out from the noise. There were some tough times. I had a very punishing conscience that pretended to be God. The message of grace helped me to distinguish the difference. This was great news.
Lord, thank You for speaking to us. Help us to heed Your words. Even the happenings that give us pause. Help us to seek You about them.
